Celebrate 10,000 Years Of History At The Tamástslikt Cultural Center In Oregon

Long before white men ever stepped foot onto the land that is now Oregon, the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people called this place home. The word "Tamástslikt" means "interpreter" in English, and it couldn't be a more fitting name for this incredible cultural center located in Pendleton. If you want to learn more about 10,000 years of history, as well as the continuing legacy of the confederate tribes, you need to pay this place a visit.

You'll find the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute on the Umatilla Reservation near Pendleton.

When you step inside this beautiful building, you'll be treated to a light-filled interior that's full of all kinds of artifacts and information.

The cultural institute's aim is to present Western expansion from the viewpoint of the native people who lived here many thousands of years before the Oregon Trail existed.

Learn about how the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla tribes lived over the centuries by browsing through hundreds of artifacts from centuries past.

The museum galleries are organized into three sections. The first section, called "We Were" is all about the tribes' history.

See replicas of the dwellings where people lived...

...and see personal belongings that were worn and used long ago.

The second gallery, called "We Are" is all about the tribes' contributions to modern society. The Law of the Salmon is just one example of the many ways in which tribal members' talents affect the salmon recovery in the Columbia River, local government issues, and the local economy.

The third gallery, called "We Will Be," discusses the future of the tribal community.

The museum protects and preserves many artifacts, documents, and photographs so that future generations can learn about the confederated tribes of the area.

Make sure to pop into the museum store during your visit. You'll find handcrafted items and Pendleton wool blankets with exclusive designs that represent historic patterns.

The museum store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is open every Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the first Friday of every month, admission is free!

Learn more about the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in this video posted by Oregon Cultural Trust on YouTube:

This article barely scratches the surface of what the Tamástslikt Cultural Center offers. Learn more about it on its website, and follow its Facebook page to see the latest events and displays.

Have you visited this special place? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments!